JAKARTA - Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI) Keri Lestari asked the public not to take the drug ivermectin just for the sake of preventing COVID-19. Moreover, only hearing information circulating without medical recommendations.

This is because the WHO stated that this intermectin has not been recommended for drugs to treat COVID-19. WHO only provides guidance on the drug ivermectin in clinical trials.

"There is information that ivermectin can be used for prevention. I emphasize that it is recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 only for those with indications of severity," said Keri in a virtual discussion, Friday, July 2.

Keri said that the drug profile of ivermectin is deworming. In accordance with the distribution permit of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), it is stated that the drug is only used once a year.

"So if it is used for prevention in long-term routine use, it requires special attention and requires further proof," he said.

In fact, Keri revealed the side effects that will be felt for ivermectin users only for the sake of prevention and without consulting a doctor. Remember, ivermectin is a hard drug.

Based on reports received by IAI, the most common side effects of using ivermectin are nausea and dizziness. Not only that, there are also certain syndromes that can cause prolonged health problems.

"There have also been reports of multiorgan failure. This is something to watch out for when its use is not controlled," explained Keri.

"So, I ask all parties to refrain from working together so that this problem can be resolved without creating new problems," he added.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)